Fluorescent lamp and assembly therefor



June 7, 1949. M. c. LEVY 2,472,597

` FLUORESCENT LAMB AND ASSEMBLY THEREFOR 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Feb. 10,1945 June 7, 1949. M. c. LEVY FLUORESCENT LAMP AND ASSEMBLY TI'IEREFORl2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Feb. 10, 1945 Patented June 7, 1949 FLUORESCENTLAMP AND ASSEMBLY THEREFOR Milton C. Levy, Chicago. Ill.

V"Application February 10, 1945, Serial No. 577,197

4 Claims. (Cl. 24o-51.12)

This invention relates to improvements in illumination and moreparticularly, to that character of illumination now generally referredto as fluorescent lighting, wherein envelopes or tubes constructed fromvitreous or kindred matters, of circular. partially circular, polygonalor other closed or substantially closed configurations, are utilized aslight source housings.4

The principal object of the invention is to provide a fluorescent typeof lamp which may be most advantageously used as a light source 4unitfor electric lighting fixtures, portable electric lamps, etc., as wellas for decorative or display usage.

Another object of the invention is to provide a fluorescent lamp ofcircular. partially circular, polygonal, or other closed orsubstantially closed configuration in which the terminals of the envelope of such lamp are constructed and arranged in a manner toeliminate black or dark spots in that light source resulting withoperation of the.

lamp, hence, ensuring a maximum of lighting eiliciency, in sharpcontra-distinction to the character and manner of operation ofheretofore prevaient and kindred types of lamps, wherein a deflnitelyinactive or dark and shadow casting area or space occurs between theopposite though adjacent ends of the lamp envelopes.

A further object of the invention is to provide a fluorescent lampenvelope ofthe herein indicated character of such construction andformation as will facilitate its convenient and practical installationin a, receiving fixture and also, its removal therefrom, as and whendesired or required.

The invention also aims to provide a fluorescent type of lamp ofconfiguration as above stated, with a novel form of means for mountingand/or supporting the same.

A still further object of the invention is to provide a fluorescent lampwith a casing or supporting assembly whereby it can and will beadvantageously supported, such assembly being so constructed anddesigned that the lamp received and v supported thereby may beadvantageously adapted `to and operatively associated with lightingfixtures, portable lamps or other devices, especially in those instancesof adaptation and usage where compactness and space conservation is ofessence.

Another object of the invention is to provide a fluorescent lamp andmounting, of`such construction and assembly as to render its use linpreselected multiple or "gang units, entirely practical and highlyadvantageous. whereby a light of desired or required lumen output may beproduced and arranged to occupy a minimum of space, as

- 2 'j well as eect important and desirable over-all economies. g

The foregoing. as well as other objects. advantages and meritoriousteachings of the invention,

will be ln part obvious and in part pointed out in the followingdetailed disclosures thereof, when taken in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings, it being understood that the particular forms oftheV invention presented herein are precise and what is now consideredto be the best modes of embodying its principles, but that modicationsand changes maybe made in specific embodiments. without departing fromits essential features.

In the drawings:

Figure 1 is a side elevation' of my improved fluorescent lamp and oneform of housing therefor.

Figure 2 is a top plan viwof the same.

Figure 3 is an enlarged transverse section taken on the line 3--3 ofFigure 2, looking in the direction in which the arrows point.

Figure 4 is an enlarged transverse section taken at right angles to thatof Figure 3 and along the line 4--4 of said Figure 3.

Figure 5 is a side elevation of another form of the invention, wherein adifferent type of housing is provided to thecircular luminescent lampand moreover, wherein the lamp housing units are shown in multiplesuberposed relation.

Figure 6 is a. top plan view of the construction shown in Figure 5.and..

Figure 'I is an emerged transverse section taken through the lowerportion of Figure 5, showing the construction and relative arrangementof the circular fluorescent lamp receiving and supporting housings andtheir relative interconnection, when such housings are used in multiple.

Referring in detail to the 'accompanying drawings, and particularly, tothat form of fluorescent lamp illustrated by the Figures 1 to 4,inclusive, the numeral l designates a tubular lamp body or envelope ofgenerally circular formation, made of glass or other suitable lightpermeable material. The opposite and relatively closely spaced ends ofthe envelope I (see Figures 2 and 4) are laterally and inwardlylextended in substantial parallelism to provide cathode housing portions2 and 3, whose cross-sectional areas may be and preferably are somewhat'less than that of the envelope. If desired, grooves or ways 4 may beformed in and about the extensions 2 and 3 adjacent their points ofjointure with the envelope body. for a purpose hereinafter more fully`disclosed.

The lamp envelope I and its extensions 2 and 3 are provided with aninternal coating of phospose weil understood by workers skilled in thisart.

Contact terminal bases or caps 5 are tightly engaged with and over theopen ends of the extensions 2 and 3 and carry outwardly disposed.appropriate terminals 6; also, suitable cathodes 'l extending centrallyand longitudinally through said extensions into adjacent portions of theenvelope chamber, as shown in Figures 2 and 4.

Connector devices 8 are detachably provided to each of the caps 5 andcarry suitable guide pins 9, which are selectively receivable in socketsformed in said ca-ps, whereby to insure proper relative arrangement andelectrical connection.

Electric wiring, hereinafter more fully described, is connected to theconnector devices 8. At this point, attention is directed to the factthat whereas I have. with some degree of particularity, illustrated anddescribed the lamp envelope I as being generally circular in shape, itmay, nevertheless, be made in various outlines. i. e., oval, polygonal,or in fact, any other substantially closed configuration, such asconditions or preference may dictate. It is also of importance to herenote that the opposite ends of the envelope I and the extensions 2 and 3are arranged in opposed, spaced and substantially parallel relation,especially as concerns said extensions; furthermore, that said oppositeenvelope ends and extensions are, by reason of the character of thecoating applied thereto. made luminous throughout their entirerespective areas. The relative opposed spacing of the envelope ends andtheir extensions 2 and 3 is of importance, in that it permits theconvenient and practical installation and/or removal of the lamp in orfrom a receiving and supporting fixture, due

to the fact that it can be moved sidewise or` laterally, allowingiixture equipped or provided elements to pass freely through the waybetween said spaced envelope portions and extensions. Andnotwithstanding the fact that the opposite ends of the extensions 2 and3 of the envelope I are relatively spaced, their over-all luminouscharacteristics will prevent the occurrence or the presence of a dark or"blacked-out area therebetween when the lamp envelope is electricallyenergized and illuminated. Consequently, it is manifest that my improvedfluorescent lamp, when operated, will function to provide a maximum ofluminosity without the existence of any black spots, viz., dark spots orblacked-out areas, throughout its entire configuration or body area.'

With a view towards effecting rm and secure support of the lamp envelopeI upon a housing or xture appliance, hereinafter described, I form orotherwise provide a fixed laterally and relatively right-angularlydisposed lip III upon and along the medial portion of the inner sidewall of said envelope, having its opposite ends terminating inwardly ofthe cathode housing extensions 2 and 3 to avoid interference therewith.The gauge or thickness of the lip I0 is ample to provide thereto thoserequired properties of ruggedness and stability necessary to ensure itsdependability and satisfactory supporting from the aforesaid housing.

The lamp envelope I may be produced by various methods or procedures ofmanufacture, as for example, by blowing, bending, casting or molding,though for the attainment of cost economies, standardization of size andaccurate article reproduction, I have established to my satisfaction,that fabrication by casting or molding methods are mostemcient andhence, are preferable.

In order that my improved lamp may be eiIectually supported for use ineither a lighting xture, portable lamp, etc., an advantageous form ofhousing, such as shown in the Figures 1 to 4, inclusive, may beemployed. This housing comprises a cup-like lower section II and a domedupper section I2, each of complemental outline and size and eachconstructed of sheet-like material, suitably fabricated. In the instantembodiment of said` housing, it will be seen that the companionatesections constituting the same, are of circular outline. substantiallyconforming in shape and outside diameter to the inside diameter of thegenerally circular lamp envelope I so that the former, as an assembly,may be engaged within the latter.

Concentrically of the nat bottom of the section I I is an openingadapted to receive therethrough one end portion of a connecting deviceof hicky coupling I3, while in one side of the peripheral Wall of saidsection, a pair of upwardly opening semi-circularly shaped recesses areformed. The lower portions of the cathode housing extensions 2 and 3.grooved as at 4, are received in and through said recesses into theinterior of the cup-like section I I, as indicated in Figure 4. Anupstanding lip I4 is formed on that portion of the peripheral wallbetween the recesses, for a purpose which will be subsequently apparent.

To cushionly receive and engage the adjacent side of the envelopecarried lip III, a channeled strip I5 is -engaged over and along theupper edge of the peripheral wall of the section II, terminating atpoints just short of the opposite sides of the above describedsemi-circularly shaped recess. as will be seen upon reference to Figure4 of the drawings.

The domed top or outer side of the cup-like section I2 has an openingformed in and concentrically of the same to receive the opposite endportion of the hick y" coupling I3 therethrough. A pair of downwardlyopening semicircularly shaped recesses are formed in a portion of theperipheral wall of the section I2 adjacent the aforesaid recessedportions of the peripheral wall of the section II and registertherewith, thus engaging about and receiving the upper portions of thecathode extensions 2 and 3, grooved at 4, therethrough. A lip I4',similar to the lip Il, extends downwardly from that part of section I2peripheral wall between said pair of recesses therein and, in engagingthe edge of the latter, effects a complete encircling engagement aboutthe adjacent grooved portions I of the cross-sectionally circularextensions 2 and 3.

A channeled cushioning strip I5', of a length corresponding to that ofthe strip I5, is engaged over and'along the lower or free edge of theperipheral wall of the section I2 and has bearing engagement upon thenear or normally upper side of the lip I0.

Vent openings. generally indicated by the nuposed and engaged cup-likesections Il and I2, the usual transformer or ballast I1, startingswitcli I8 and control switch I9, commonly eniployed in connection withthe operation of fluorescent lamps, are arranged and suitably secured.Electric wiring indicated by the numeral 20, is provided to thesedevices and is electrically connected to the connectors 8 engaging theterminals 6 of the caps 5 whereby to permit selective energization ofthe cathodes 1.

In assembling and adapting the form of my improved lamp and housing,shown in Figures 1 to 4 inclusive of the accompanying drawings, vthecuplike sections II and I2 supporting and retaining the lamp envelope Iby engagement of its lip I therebetween, are positioned adjacent asupporting standard or pipe 2|. A securing nut 22 is turned onto thescrew-threaded portion of the lucky coupling I3 extending from thesection II, into binding contact therewith. Thereupon, ie remainder ofsaid portion of the coupling I3 is turned into the screw-threadedadjacent end of the standard 2|. The remaining screwthreaded nipple endof the hicky coupling I3, extending through and beyond the section I2,has a clamping nut 23 turned thereonto into flrm binding contact withthe adjacent side of said section I2, hence, exerting sufficientpressure upon the same to bring its cushioned (cushioning strip I5')peripheral wall edge and the cushioned (cushioning strip I5) peripheralwall edge of the section II into securing contact with the adjacentsides of the lamp envelope lip I0 and so, clampingly secure ittherebetween. The lamp envelope I will, thus, be effectually andsecurely supported from the sectional housing.

If desired, a lock-nut (cap or finial) 24 may be turned onto thescrew-threaded upper portion of the hicky" coupling I3, as shown inFigures l and 3.

The lamp assembly constituted by the envelope I and the housing sectionsIl and I2, it is to be understood, provides a single lighting unit. Sucha unit can be used as the light source of an elec-- tric lightingiixture, a portable electric lamp, etc. If desired, a plurality of suchunits can be assembled and interconnected in superposed or otherrelation, through the use of suitable hicky couplings or like devices,in order to produce an increased or desired lumen output. Also, shouldit be so desired, a single electric control switch I9 can be employed tocollectively energize the multiplicity of fluorescent lamps.

In the Figures 5 to '7 inclusive of the accompanying drawings, I haveshown a modied form of housing and housing assembly, for receivingA andsupporting my improved iluorescent lamp. This modii'led type of housingis capable of use as a single light-source unit or as a multiple unitlight-source, the latter adaptation being eected by that relativearrangement and assembly of individual housings in the manner well shownin Figure 5.

Since the construction of each of the lamp envelope receiving andsupporting housings, illustrated by the modiiie'd form, issubstantiallythe same, the disclosure thereof, hereinafter set forth, will bedirected to but one. Such disclosure, it will be understood, will sucefor all of the illustrated housings and their respective lamps. l

The housing includes a cup-like lower section 25 having a hicky couplingreceiving opening formed concentrically of its bottom and a pair Asecond section 28 is provided and is companionate to the section 25. Itcomprises an annular body of sheet material of bottom outline andcross-sectional area corresponding to that of the peripheral wall ofsection 25, whereby it can be superimposed thereupon in the manner shownin Figure 7. Said section 28 is preferably composed of two vor moresemi-circular parts, which when assembled, constitute the annulus. Oneof these parts has a pair of downwardly opening semi-circularly shapedrecesses therein adapted to register with theupwardly opening recessesin the peripheral wall of the section 25. A downwardly extending lip 26'is tormed upon that portion of said semi-circular partedge between thepair of recesses formed therein, and when abuttingly engaged with theadjacent edge of lip 26 of section 25 peripheral wall, effects acomplete circular outlining of the opposed and registered pairs ofrecesses.'

A channeled cushioning strip 21', similar to the strip 21, is engagedover and along the lower or inner edges of the multi-part section 28 andhas its ends terminated short of the outer sides of the downwardlyopening recesses in said section.

The multi-part section 28, as will be noted upon reference to Figure 7,is of greater depth than the peripheral wall of the section 25. Itsdepth also exceeds the sectional diameter of the tubular lamp envelopeI', presently described, for a purpose hereinafter explained.

The cross-sectional shape of the section 28 is outwardly curving ordaring, as shown in Figure '1, and provides an emcient light rayreflecting area and surface.

To complete the housing, a circular cover plate or top 29, having aflanged peripheral portion 30, is snugly received in the hanged upperportions 3I of the multi-part section 28. Screws 32 or other suitablefastening means, are passed through adjacent portions of the flangedportions 3| into securing engagement with the plate ange 30. Thus, theparts of the section 28 and the cover plate 29 are removably retained inassembly relation.

' Vent openings 32' may be and preferably are formed in portions of thesection 28 to eiect heat dissipation.

A lamp envelope I', corresponding in its overall construction and designto the hereinbefore described lamp envelope I, is received by thehousing. It is received or arranged about the lower portion of thehousing in the manner shown in Figures 5 and 7. The iixed laterally andright-` angularly disposed lip I8' thereof is engaged between theperipheral wall edge carried cushioning strips 21 and 21 of the sections25 and 28, respectively. In this manner, it will be understood that thelamp envelope I' will be supported by and upon the housing. Y

The relatively spaced laterally and inwardly extended cathode housingextensions 2 and 3' of the envelope I are snugly received in and through7 the registering semi-circularly shaped recesses in the housingsections 25 and 28, hereinbefore described, thus eiecting thearrangement of the inner ends of said extensions within the housing, asshown in Figures 6 and 7.

Contact terminal bases or caps 33 are tightly engaged with and over theopen ends of the extensions 2' and 3' and carry appropriate terminais aswell as suitable cathodes (not shown).

Connector devices 34 are detachably provided to each of the caps 33,whereby to permit the conduction of electrical. energy thereto and totheir respective cathodes.

The internal chamber of the housing receives therein the usualtransformer or ballast 35, starting switch 36 and control switch 31,employed in connection with the operation of iiuorescent lamps, all of'which devices are operatively interconnected by electrical conductors,generally indicated by the numeral 38, which conductors alsoelectrically include or are connected to the connector devices 34, foran obvious purpose.

In assembling or adapting this modified form of my improved lamp andhousing, the housing sections 25 and 28 and the circularly shaped lampenvelope i' are arranged in that relationship shown in Figure 7. lamp isto be used as a lighting source for an electrical lighting iixture,portable electric lamp, etc., a hicky coupling 39 is arranged within thehousing and has its opposite screw-threaded nipple-like portions passedor extended throughv the openings in the bottom of the section 25 andthe circular cover plate 29. Electric wiring for conducting current tothe lamp, etc. is passed through one of the nipple-like portions oi thehicky coupling. Thereupon, a locking nut, such as indicated by thenumeral 40, is turned into engagement with one of the screw-threadedextended ends of the hicky coupling, and the extended portion of itsopposite side is connected or engaged with a suitable supporting means,as for example, a portable electric lamp standard, an electric lightingfixture supporting pipe 39" or the like.

Because the housing section 28 is of greater depth than the peripheralwall of the section 25; also, greater than the sectional diameter of thetubular lamp envelope i', it will be seen that by removal of thesemi-circula;` parts of the section 28, sumcient clearance space will beprovided to permit a lateral removal or withdrawal of the lamp envelopefrom the housing, without disturbing the cover plate 29 or housings suchas may be arranged upon or above the same.

If a number or gang of lamps i', and their housings are to be utilizedfor constituting a light source capable of effecting a desired orrequired lumen output, the unit assemblies, hereinbefore described, arearranged in superposed or juxtaposed relation, in the mannei`illustrated by Figures and 7. To eect secure jointure between such a"gang assembly, connection between the adjacent housings is effected byan arrangement of interconnectable hicky couplings which are providedwith relatively opposed nipple and socket portions, as shown by thehicky coupling identiiied by the numeral 39'. In this manner, anydesired or required number of units may be assembled in multiple form.

At this point, it is to be understood that multiple assemblies such asdescribed immediately above, 'are practicably and satisfactorilyadaptable for usage in connection with any form or character of electriclighting appliances, i. e.,

If but a single housing and terconnecting said sections.

8 electric lighting fixtures, portable electric lamps, etc., merely bytheir mechanical adaptation and connection to or mounting to and uponthe particularly equipped devices.

It is manifest that certain changes and/or further modiilcations of thearrangements and constructions herein disclosed are within the provinceof the teachings of the invention just disclosed. I, therefore, do notintend that such disclosures shall or should be construed as limitingthe ambit of my invention to any extent, save that as is within thescope of and the inventive spirit expressed by the hereto appendedclaims.

I claim:

l. A lamp assembly, comprising relatively juxtaposed sections, portionsof said sections having registering recesses formed therein, a tubularlamp envelope of substantially closed configuration engaged about saidsections of the housing, the opposite ends of the envelope beingangularly extended therefrom and relatively spaced, and arranged insubstantially co-planar relation to the envelope said angularly extendedopposite ends engaging through the registering recesses in the housingsections, electric connecting means on said angularly extended ends,support engaging means xed to one side of said envelope clampinglyengaged between the adjacent edges of said housing sections, and meansengaging the housing sections for interconnecting the same.

2. A lamp assembly, comprising relatively uxtaposed and edgewise engagedsections, a tubular lamp envelope of substantially closed configurationengaged about said sections. a continuous lip on and disposedlongitudinally of a portion of the inner side of said envelope extendinginwardly from and beyond the same and engaged between the adjacent andedgewise engaged portions of said sections, and means for in- 3. A lampassembly, comprising relatively juxtaposed and edgewise engagedsections, portions of which have registering recesses formed therein, atubular lamp envelope of substantially closed configuration receivedabout and arranged adjacent said sections, the opposite ends of saidenvelope being angularly extended therefrom in closely spaced relationand in substantially coplanar relation to the envelope, said angularlyextended opposite ends entered into the sections through saidregistering recesses therein, and a lip on a substantially longitudinalmedial portion of the inner side of the lamp envelope extended laterallyfrom and beyond the same having its opposite ends spaced inwardly fromthe angularly extended opposite ends of the envelope, said lip beingreceived and clampingly engaged between the adjacent edgewise engagedportions of said sections, and means interconnecting said sections.

4. An envelope for an electric lamp, comprising a light permeabletubular body of substantially closed configuration, tubular extensionsof light permeable material integral with the opposite ends of saidbody, each of said extensions being disposed inwardly of the body atsubstantially right angles thereto and arranged in juxtaposed relation,said extensions and body being in substantally co-planar relation, and acontinuous lip fixed to and extending from the inner side of said bodyhaving its ends terminating inwardly ot said tubular extensions.

MILTON C. LEVY.

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2,255,431 Mrdgn et al. Sept. 9, 1941 l UNITED STATES `PA'rENfrs f52,304,594 Pennypacker Dec. s, 1942 Numberl Name Date 2,309,676 Feb. 2,1943 2,350,462 vJohns June 6, 1944 1,786,420 Braly Dee. 30. 1930 1799941 Wiegand Apr. 'z 1991 364339 Bmx De@ 13 1944 2,365,812 Friend Dec.26, 1944 l 1,800,037 Wiegand Aprf'l, 1931 v

